Putting Up A Beautiful Fence

When I started thinking about the safety of our yard a few months ago, I knew that I had to do something to keep big dogs out of our space and our tiny tots safely enclosed. I realized that it would be simple to put up a fence in our yard, so I started looking around for a fencing contractor who could do a great job. I was able to find an incredible contractor who really seemed to understand what we were looking for, and we started working with him that same day. It was amazing to get the fence up and to enjoy a beautiful, finished space. Check out this blog for more information on finding a fencing contractor and choosing fence materials.

Using Fillers To Repair Vinyl Fence Holes

Posted on:
29 December 2016

Inspecting your vinyl fence often is a good way to check for damage. Damage can and should be repaired as soon as possible, and this includes holes in the fencing material. If you notice holes and want to fill them in, there are several ways you can do this. Keep reading to learn about a few repair options you have.

Repair With Automotive Filler

If you have ever repaired a small dent in your car, then you are familiar with automotive fillers like Bondo. These fillers can be used to repair dents and openings in metal surfaces, and they can also assist with the repair of vinyl, PVC, and fiberglass materials. Fillers are a mixture of ingredients that include talc, fiberglass, and resin. This filler is mixed with a hardening compound to solidify it. The hardening compound is methyl ethyl ketone or butanone mixed with a solvent like styrene.

Automotive fillers can be used to fill in the entire hole in your vinyl fence or you can use spray foam insulation to fill in larger openings first. If you decide to use the foam, then clean the hole and then spray the insulation into the damaged area. Allow the foam to expand and harden and then trim the excess with a utility knife.

Once the hole is prepared with foam or left open to receive the automotive filler, mix the filler compound. Read the instructions on the package so you know how much of the hardening agent to add to the filler. Once the mixture is created, use a putty knife to fill in the hole or create a thin layer of the filler over the spray foam. The filler will begin curing after about 10 minutes. Wait for about one to two hours to make sure the material is completely dry and then use a piece of medium grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface.

Bondo and other types of automotive fillers can be painted once they have fully cured. You should place a layer of filler primer over the Bondo first. You can then use an oil-based or acrylic paint over the surface. Try to match the fence color as best you can. If you are unsure about the paint color to use, speak with your vinyl fencing contractor to learn more about the color of your fence and how a matching paint can be located.

Use A PVC Repair Kit

If you do not want to use an automotive filler, then you can purchase a PVC patch kit instead. Vinyl and PVC are extremely similar in their chemical makeup and the two materials look, feel, and act similar. This means that PVC can be used to create a seamless patch in your vinyl fence. PVC kits also come in different colors that match some of the more common vinyl fence shades like white, clay, and tan. If one of the kits are used to match your fence tone, then no painting will be required after the repair is made.

Before you use the repair kit, make sure to clean the damaged area and also use a piece of fine grit sandpaper to lightly roughen the edges and interior of the hole. Mix the PVC compound and the hardening agent together and use a putty knife to force the material into the hole. Smooth the filler as best you can and allow it to dry. Drying times are similar to those of Bondo and other fillers, so you probably only need to wait a few hours for it to dry.

PVC compounds may shrink a small amount, so inspect the repair to look for signs of indentations or divots. Mix up a new batch of the filler and spread the material once again. Once the hole is filled in, use a piece of fine grit sandpaper to smooth out the finished surface. For more information, contact a business such as Nickelston Fence Inc.